Writing Center Policies
Eligibility
The Writing Center provides tutorial support only for WR classes and their equivalents. Students enrolled in non-WR courses can receive tutoring through the Educational Resource Center (617-353-7077) or the COM Writing Center (617-353-6632).
Scheduling
In order to secure a session and give yourself time to make revisions, please schedule your appointment several days before the due date of your essay.
Because of the high demand for consultations, students are limited to one reservation per week. If you arrive as a walk-in at the beginning of an appointment time and a tutor is free, you may meet with the tutor even if you have already had an appointment that week.
Cancellations and Missed Appointments
Cancellation of tutorial sessions requires 12-hour notice. If you are canceling Monday or evening appointments by phone, please call no later than 4:30 PM on the preceding weekday. You can also cancel appointments online.
If you miss two scheduled appointments or fail twice to give proper notification when canceling appointments, you will not be allowed to make a subsequent appointment for the remainder of the semester.
The Writing Center is very popular among students, and appointments are in high demand. By giving us sufficient notice of your need to cancel, you will be freeing up an appointment for another student.
What to Bring
- Your assignment sheet
- A hard copy of your current draft, earlier drafts, and any relevant notes
- The sources used in your essay
- Your thoughts about how to improve your essay
- An open mind and willingness to respond to the tutor
- A referral form from your instructor, if you have one, or any other comments about your writing from your instructor
What to Expect During a Tutoring Session
- An encouraging and supportive environment for talking about your writing
- Assistance from a trained graduate or undergraduate level tutor
- A one-on-one session devoted to your writing
- Someone to respond to your writing with questions and to take your thinking and writing seriously
What Not to Expect During a Tutoring Session
- Someone to merely edit or proofread your work
- Someone to evaluate or grade your work
- Someone fully knowledgeable about the content of your course
